I Formulated 43 Challenges for My 43rd Year

Why You Need to Formulate Your Birthday Challenges

Richard Branson announced that he would carry out 65 Creative Challenges on his 65th birthday. He announced it on his blog and invited readers to propose some challenges to him. As a creative entrepreneur, he used this opportunity to spice up his life and widen his possibilities for adventure. He finished all the challenges with success and you can find some of these in his blog.

Inspired by Richard Branson, I am doing the same exercise below. I am formulating 43 challenges for my 43rd year. I will implement these challenges over the course of this year, although some challenges will take longer for me to complete.

After sharing my list, I invite and challenge you to create your own list.

Here are my 43 challenges for my 43rd age

1. I will write a letter to my 63-year-old self.
2. I will write another letter to my 23-year-old self.
3. I will create at least 430 videos on my YouTube channel in the next 1.5 years.
4. I will create a playlist of 43 songs (my own Desert Island Discs).
5. I will create my own movie list of 43 inspirational/creative films that have changed my perspective.
6. I will create my non-fiction list of 43 mind-expanding books. I will read and review these books.
7. I will create my fiction list of 43 imagination-enhancing books. I will read these books.
8. I will write 43 Medium articles on creativity and productivity this year.
9. I will create 430 pages of doodles and/or diary exercises during the next 12 months.
10. I will create at least 200 articles on Medium during the next 12 months.
11. I will try to apply improvisation and acting skills — I will try to practice them as much as possible.
12. I will go on 43 journeys to 43 cities or medieval towns of the world in the next 4 years (Girona, Assisi, Bern, Exe, Tallinn, Heidelberg, Rottenburg, Rovinj, Carcassone, Colmar, Obidos, Dubrovnik, San Gimignano, Hallstatt, Siena, Mont Saint Michel, Kotor, Toledo, Rondo).
13. I will try to help at least 43 people by surprising them or adding value to their lives.
14. I will write a Medium article on the 43 lessons I have learned in my life.
15. I will write another Medium article on the 43 lessons I have learned in my career.
16. Using my best abilities, I will try to make or earn £430 pounds in one week.
17. I will make sure that I walk for at least 430 meters every day.
18. I will take on 43 new things or challenges that I have never tried before.
19. I will create 43 different pieces of artwork this year.
20. I will create 43 different templates or digital products this year.
21. I will try to sell 43 units of digital products each month.
22. I will write a poem or a rap song of 43 lines.
23. I will lose 4.3kg in one year and I will get more healthy.
24. I will share 43 defining moments in my life.
25. I will share 43 things that I love and cherish in my life.
26. I will learn about 43 different topics or exciting things that I know nothing about.
27. I will practice 43 new habits or small hobbies that will provide me joy.
28. I will create at least 43 different assets and investments over the course of next year.
29. I will find 43 exciting things or activities that I will look forward to.
30. I will write 43 letters to my younger self over the next two years.
31. I will share 43 tips or secrets of productivity and success in my life.
32. I will share 43 inspirational models that I learned from in my life.
33. I will share 43 new mindsets and perspectives that help me to achieve success.
34. I will share 43 exercises and experiments to unleash my creativity.
35. I will fail at least 43 times this year as I keep trying new things.
36. I will give a nice gift to the person who lives on number 43 on our street in my city.
37. I will choose 10 new careers and try them for 43 minutes to enhance my skill set and perspective.
38. I will share my favorite 43 YouTube channels in a Medium post.
39. I will share my favorite 43 TV Series in a Medium post.
40. I will create 43 ideas to spice up my life and bring joy and fun into my life.
41. I will create at least three ebooks and 10 mini digital products on GumRoad this year.
42. I will create an online workshop on creating your own creative assets for participants everywhere.
43. I will be open to the unknown and the X factor throughout this year. I might not know what I do not know. I want to have more openness, flexibility, and humility.

Exercise: Your Birthday Challenges

Now, this is your turn. I invite you to formulate your own birthday challenges. How old will you be next year? Let’s say you will be 40. You will identify and write down 40 creative challenges for yourself. Make your list and write them down.

Create your own challenges for your upcoming birthday. Your list may include challenges or items that involve adventure, creativity, entrepreneurship, arts, travel, helping others, reading, writing, personal branding, investments, and asset creation.

Give yourself a birthday gift today and create your own list of birthday challenges for your upcoming birthday. This exercise will provide you with a lot of opportunities for growth, excitement, happiness, and creativity.

You can publish this list on Medium and share it with the world if you prefer. You can use this list as a vehicle for creating new content, stories, and articles. This is a wonderful way to spice up your life. You are special and you deserve memories that will take your breath away.

Happy Birthday!

Fahri Karakas is the author of Self-making Studio and If Life Gives You A Squash, Squash It! He is passionate about doodling, creativity, asset creation, and the future.